Could Kazakhstan Be the Bold Move You’ve Been Waiting For?
If you had asked me a few years ago if Kazakhstan was on my radar, the answer would have been no. In fact, Kazakhstan never crossed my mind as a potential destination, largely because I hadn’t seen it promoted in school fair ads and recruitment sites or marketed widely as a go-to spot for international educators. Most of my international moves had been within Southeast Asia, a region I knew well and felt comfortable navigating. On the other hand, many of my new colleagues here in Kazakhstan have taken a different route, moving from Southeast Asia to the UAE, and then to Central Asia. It made me wonder—could Central Asia, and specifically Kazakhstan, ever be a first choice?
In my experience over the past month and a half, I'd argue it absolutely could be—and it’s a place worth putting at the top of your list.
When my family and I made the move here, I wasn’t sure what to expect. We were leaving Southeast Asia, a region we were comfortable with, and stepping into the unknown. My two teenagers were hesitant, and as a trailing spouse, my partner also had concerns about fitting into a new community. But what we found here has been a wonderful surprise.
Was it the warm and pleasant onboarding at my school, or was it something about Kazakhstan itself? I’d say it was a mix of both. Kazakhstan has a unique blend of cultures that brings together influences from Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and even a hint of Middle Eastern hospitality. The people here love kids, value family deeply, and have a way of making you feel like you belong from the moment you arrive.
Astana, where we’ve settled, is a city full of surprises. While it may not have the majestic mountains of Almaty, it offers something equally impressive—urban planning that is both modern and thoughtful. The city was designed by renowned Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, and it shows. Astana is green, filled with well-maintained parks, rivers, iconic buildings, and plenty of sports facilities. Best of all, it’s a walkable and bikeable city, which isn’t something I expected in Central Asia.
One of the things I appreciate most about Astana is how safe it is for families. As a parent of teenagers, this is a big deal. My kids have the freedom to explore the city, and I feel comfortable knowing they’re in a secure environment. The presence of many embassies and government offices adds to the international atmosphere, and with new international schools popping up, there’s a sense of growth and opportunity here that’s hard to ignore.
Kazakhstan's people have made our transition much smoother than I could have hoped. There’s a deep-rooted culture of hospitality here that extends to everyone, especially families. People are quick to offer help and genuinely care about how you’re settling in. They love children and go out of their way to make families feel welcome, which has been a huge plus for us as parents.
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And yes, everyone talks about the winters here. The dreaded winter! Almost every person I've met has shared their tips: "Layer up properly, and you'll be fine," they say, or "Take your winter vacations to warmer places!" While I'm bracing for the cold, the way locals talk about it with a wink and a smile is oddly reassuring. There’s a certain pride in enduring these harsh winters, and frankly, I’m intrigued to experience it for myself—though I’m definitely stocking up on Vitamin D just in case!
The international school scene in Astana is on the rise. New schools are opening up, and with the influx of expat families, there’s a real demand for high-quality, diverse education. From my perspective as an educator, this is exciting. The schools here (especially Haileybury Astana !) are deeply committed to the holistic development of students, much like the approaches I’ve seen in Southeast Asia. If you’re looking for a place to make an impact in international education, Kazakhstan is quietly becoming a hub for innovation in this space.
In the past month and a half, I’ve learned something unexpected: Kazakhstan isn’t just a good choice for expats—it’s a great one. The blend of warm hospitality, a growing international community, and a safe, well-planned city make it an appealing destination. Whether you’re coming from Asia, the UAE, US, UK or anywhere else, Kazakhstan has a lot to offer.
For those of you who have a sense of adventure and love to travel, Kazakhstan is also perfectly situated for exploring Central Asia and beyond. Neighboring countries like Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan offer rich cultural experiences, stunning landscapes, and are just a short flight away. And let’s not forget about destinations like Georgia and Turkey, where East meets West, offering incredible history and natural beauty. Kazakhstan also has easy access to Europe, with flights to major cities just a few hours away.
If you're missing the warmth or hustle of the big city, Dubai and the UAE are only a quick four-hour-flight, and India is within easy reach as well. Whether you're looking for a beach getaway, a historical tour, or a cultural deep dive, Kazakhstan’s central location makes it a traveler's paradise.
Yes, the winters may be brutal, but I’ve got my thermals ready, my Vitamin D stocked, and plans for winter getaways. But even with the cold on the horizon, I feel more optimistic than ever about the possibilities here.
So, could Kazakhstan be the place where you choose to put down your next set of roots? From my experience, it’s absolutely worth considering—maybe even as your first choice. As the recruiting season kicks off, keep an eye out for this hidden gem. Kazakhstan just might surprise you, the way it surprised me.
Digital Nomad - Remote Contractor
2moWelcome to the zone - I am on my 10th year in neighboring Kyrgyzstan. Why? The people, sights, opportunity, food and open attitudes of adventure and business. There is always a new mood and move for the city; especially in the University Districts. They cities are alive and aggressive progress of the future while the rural areas are more traditional and embracing a slower historical life. A great mix to bounce between to recharge. If you make it to Kyrgyzstan - send me a note - happy to show you some of the off journo events for the region.
Enjoying returning to Colorado!
4moOver the years, I had a few colleagues take positions at one of the international schools in Tashkent and they loved it! One saying; Best D... School in Asia. Definitely a place to consider.
Executive Leader, Advancement, Development, Fundraising, Community Engagement, Communications, Marketing
4moIncredible! I love learning about a region I am uninformed about! Possibilities!
Science Communicator | Consultant Medical Biochemist | Chemistry Instructor | Cambridge Exam Officer | Professional Teacher Trainer & Counselor (University of Arizona).
4moGreat post! Your experience in Kazakhstan is inspiring and offers a unique perspective for those considering international teaching opportunities. I particularly appreciate your insights on the warm hospitality and safe environment for families. These factors are crucial for international educators making the transition. Your mention of the growing international school scene in Astana is also encouraging. It's great to hear that Kazakhstan is becoming a hub for innovative education. #InternationalTeaching #Kazakhstan #ExpatLife #CareerChange
K-12 Educator & Social Sciences Teacher at RDFZ (人大附中) ICC | Extended Essay Co-Coordinator | AP with WeService Coordinator
4moI love Almaty. If I ever decide to leave Beijing, Almaty is where I am heading.